Kriya Yoga 2 | Sri M | Spring 2024 | Day 2 | Session 2

Explore the profound meaning of Om (AUM) and its significance in Vedanta, the Upanishads, and spiritual practice. In this illuminating talk, we learn why Om is known as **Pranava—the sound that gives life to a mantra**—and how its three syllables represent creation, preservation, and transformation. The discussion then turns to the **Mandukya Upanishad**, one of the shortest yet most profound Upanishads, and its exploration of the four states of consciousness: A — the waking state U — the dream state M — deep, dreamless sleep Turiya — the pure witnessing consciousness beyond all three states The talk also examines how our senses, memories, and conditioning shape our perception of reality. Through simple examples and insights from Vedanta, it invites us to question what is truly real and discover the silent witness present throughout every experience. The concluding question-and-answer session explores truthfulness in daily life, the practice of self-inquiry, and the importance of combining spiritual study with personal sadhana. Chapters 00:00 The sacred sound Om and Pranava 02:22 Om as the primordial sound of creation 03:00 “In the beginning was the Word” 04:07 The meaning of A-U-M 06:21 Creation, preservation and transformation 10:42 Introduction to the Mandukya Upanishad 13:02 Why is it called “Mandukya”? 17:04 “A” and the waking state 20:02 How the senses shape our reality 24:39 “U” and the dream state 29:44 “M” and deep, dreamless sleep 34:04 Turiya—the pure witness 36:20 The purpose of spiritual practice 37:38 Q&A: Truth, silence and compassion 42:30 Self-inquiry and understanding non-duality 43:49 The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda 44:31 Closing remarks and upcoming Kriya session #Om #AUM #MandukyaUpanishad #Vedanta #Upanishads #Turiya #Consciousness #Meditation #Spirituality #SelfInquiry #NonDuality #IndianPhilosophy